He was the first British composer ever to have won this award.
He has continued to conduct the music of many living British composers.
Today, there are perhaps 10 British composers who have achieved international standing.
He conducted the music of many British composers, helping them to become known to a wide public.
In the international music scene today, it's generally accepted that there are a lot of very good British composers.
New music is central to the choir's activities, and since 2000 has commissioned over 20 works from British composers.
However, his verse evoked response in many great British composers of the time.
One of those works had to be a previously unperformed work by a British composer.
Arguably it's easier now for a British composer to get an opera on to the stage than at any time since 1945.
One eminent British composer on leaving the theatre was asked what he thought of it.